Twelve of the players named in Belgium boss Marc Wilmots squad for the win against Croatia on Friday night, which saw the country qualify for its first major tournament since 2002, are plying their trade in the English top-flight. While a 13th, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, is owned by Chelsea.

Vertonghen has become a central part of Tottenham’s defence since a move from Ajax in 2012, and he believes that experience has aided the teams’ development.